I can’t tell him that we’re waiting for something or someone to blow up. “Call Sandy,” I say. “Tell him you’ll meet him.” Just because we now know The Bear is still in the game doesn’t mean he still has control of the Russians, or anyone. I can get past the fact Sandy tried to kill Beau if it means I get The Bear.
“Why?” Danny asks.
“Just do it.”
“So you can kill him?”
I look at him, and I don’t answer because I can’t promise I won’t. “An old friend just called.”
“Fuck,” Danny breathes, raking a hand through his hair. “The girls? Mum? The kid?”
“All being brought back.” I’ve got to face Beau. Tell her the man she desperately needs to talk to in relation to her father’s death is dead. Another blow. Another setback amid the endless fucking setbacks.
Danny nods, his eyes dropping to the carpet. “I don’t know whether to be relieved or stressed.” I think he’s speaking for us all.
“He’s definitely been lying low. Waiting for something.”
“But what?”
“I don’t know.” I look out of the window, returning my eyes to the outside world, scanning, watching.Come on, what’s your next move?
“Pick up, Nolan,” Brad hisses, his lips pursing, part impatience, part pain. “Fuck it.” He dials again. “Someone call Mason.”
Danny pulls his T-shirt up and wipes the drying blood on his face as he dials him. “Tell Nolan to check his phone,” he orders shortly. Then he frowns, looking at Brad. “Nolan’s not there.”
“What?”
“Called earlier and said he’d be in at lunchtime.”
Brad curses, continuously dialing, trying to reach Nolan. “Little fucker.”
“Is everyone out of the club?” I ask.
Danny nods, going back to Mason. “Just taking precautions. I’m sending Otto over to check.” He scowls. “You’re asking too many questions, Mason. Just keep everyone out the back and tell Nolan to fucking call when he shows up.”
That kid’s getting a slap when I catch up with him, because I’m sure as shit Brad won’t give him one. I bet he’s living the dream in Brad’s swanky loft apartment while he’s laid up here recovering. In fact, I bet he’s late to the club because he’s cleaning up the mess from last night’s afterparty back at Brad’s.
“What the fuck took you so long?” Brad barks down the line when Nolan finally answers. Then he frowns. “What are you doing there?” A pause, and his frown turns into a scowl. “Fine, whatever. The club’s been evacuated. Just a precaution. Otto’s on his way over to check. I need you to come to Danny’s. I’ve got some things I need to go over with you.” He hangs up, muttering under his breath, and settles down. “He’s at my place, just getting in the shower.” he says calmly. “Heading over in a bit.”
I nod, still looking out of the window, dread gripping on unrelentingly. “Fucking with us?” Danny asks, joining me.
“I don’t know.”
Brad’s phone starts ringing, and both Danny and I turn back to face the room. It takes every effort for him to lift it to see the screen.
“Who is it?” Danny asks, seeing what I’m seeing in Brad’s expression. A bit of confusion.
“Unknown number.”
Looks start getting shot around the room again, everyone still and quiet as Brad answers with silence, his eyes darting across the sheets covering his waist. He’s exhales, relieved. Peeks up. “It’s my neighbor.”
I roll my eyes, along with everyone else in the room. “Probably complaining about the noise,” I mutter, but then Brad pales and his phone slides from his hand and hits the bed.
“What?” Danny asks urgently. “Brad, what is it?”
He swallows hard, his gaze jumping across his lap, and I step forward, every inch of me tense. “My...” He turns haunted eyes our way. “My apartment just blew up.”
22